Degree qualification and year of graduation: LLB Law (2024)
What is your role, when did you join the firm?
I'm currently a trainee solicitor at Travers Smith having joined the firm in March 2026 after studying Law at the University of Warwick and completing the SQE.
What inspired you to apply to this law firm?
The firm's reputation for top-tier legal work was a major draw, but equally important to me was the high-quality training and collegiate culture. Every interaction I had throughout the application process – with partners, associates and trainees alike – reinforced that this was a firm where people invested in each other. The firm stood out in many ways, such as the unique international strategy, the room sharing system and the refreshingly simple application process. Upon further research and interaction, the firm's commitment to trainee development became clear, including the quality of supervision, the breadth of work and the early responsibility given to trainees. All of this convinced me that this would be the best place to build a solid foundation for my career.
What does a typical work day look like?
There really is no typical day, which is one of the things I enjoy most. I usually start by catching up on emails or items from my to-do list and checking in with the associates I'm working with to flag any priorities for the day. From there, the work can depend on where you are in a transaction. I might spend time drafting or reviewing and marking up ancillary documents for a transaction or I could be preparing for the signing and completion of a deal. Some days, I might have multiple matters to juggle and on others I might be able to get stuck in on fewer but more detailed tasks. I'll usually have lunch with fellow trainees and may have a meeting or some training to attend during the day. It's likely that your to-do list and priorities will shift throughout the day, so it's about being organised, adaptable and communicating with others around you.
What is the single most important thing you have learned so far as a trainee?
To be open-minded and adaptable. No two weeks, seats, teams, or matters are alike, and the ability to adjust and stay open to different ways of thinking and approaching tasks is invaluable. Underpinning all of this is a willingness to take on feedback, challenge your assumptions and embrace the unfamiliar. I think these qualities underpin what it means to be a good lawyer at any stage of your career, particularly in an environment where the work, the clients and the challenges are constantly evolving. In practice, that has meant approaching each matter or new team without preconceptions, asking questions when I'm uncertain and being willing to do things differently from how I might have done them before.
What are your top tips for someone applying to this law firm?
My top tips are to be genuine and do your research. Be clear about your motivations and why you want to be a lawyer and train at Travers Smith specifically. This involves engaging with the firm through research or events and thinking about what it is about the work and culture that appeals to you personally. Research the firm thoroughly, prepare well and trust yourself to engage authentically in your application or interview. The firm isn't looking for a perfect set of answers — it's looking for people who are curious, commercially minded and genuinely motivated to be here. Approach every interaction with the same level of care and enthusiasm and let your genuine interest in the firm and its work come through at every stage.
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